August is a slow month in the gaming world. Most AAA video game developers have released their blockbuster games at the beginning of the summer season, so this week I’m going to focus on another indie game that you may not have heard of. Slime Rancher is a first person adventure game created by Monomi Park, and is the developer’s first video game. It’s simply adorable, and great for all ages!
YouTube Trailer:

Platform: Xbox One and PC

Rated: E

Single or Multiplayer: Single

Storyline: Your character’s name is Beatrix LeBeau, a young adventurer who decides to start her own slime ranch on a faraway planet. The ranch was formerly owned by Hobson Twillgers, who mysteriously disappeared after leaving electronic notes around the planet. Since the planet is only occupied by Beatrix and slime, the storyline is minimal, and players do not have to “beat” the storyline in order to progress in the game.

Gameplay: Similar to Stardew Valley, there isn’t necessarily a right or a wrong way to play Slime Rancher. The goal of the game is to make as much money as possible so Beatrix can build up her ranch, as well as try to create unique slime species. Players have to strategize in how they will spend their day, feed their slime, and harvest resources.

Beatrix is armed with a Vacpack, which can suck up and spit out slimes, food, water, and these gem things that slime drop called plots. The vacpack is the only way objects can be moved in the game, and is used to harvest resources so they can be spat out back at the ranch. The ranch has a variety of plots which can be built up to include slime corrals, gardens, chicken coops, and many other types of plots. Players have to be strategic in where they place their slimes, because certain species of slime need specific habitats.

I know this game sounds odd, but what makes it fun is how the game instills a burning desire to build up the ranch, gain access to new areas, and how freaking adorable the slimes are. They make cute cat-like noises, and you can combine slimes to make different kinds of slimes! It’s kind of like a weird kid version of Darwin’s theory of evolution, but you know, with slime. There are some enemies thrown into the game called The Tarr that eat other slimes, and players can accidentally create a Tarr slime if they breed their slime incorrectly.

Audience: This game is suitable for all ages. I recommend this game to kids and teens who want a “first person shooter” experience but without the violence.

Verdict: Sadly, this game is only available on the Xbox Store and Steam. Recommend this to parents who want to let their child play a “first-person shooter” but they’re too young for war games.

The first video game that I played and loved back in the mid-90s was Crash Bandicoot. I wrote all about how awesome it was in my very first VGW post for TLT, so you can imagine my surprise when I learned the creators of Crash Bandicoot came out with a remastered version (which includes three games in one) this summer!

Storyline: The main character is a bandicoot named Crash, who was a creature designed by an evil doctor named Neo Cortex. Crash lives with his sister and a floating mask named Aku Aku on an island near Australia. Neo Cortex wants to destroy Crash and conquer the world, and it’s up to the player to defeat Neo Cortex to save the world. This is the basic premise for all three games, but Neo Cortex has different minions in each game.

Gameplay: Crash Bandicoot is a 3D platform jumper where on some levels Crash has to run left to right and some are bottom to top. While players can simply beat the levels, each level has bonus items like gems for completing unique challenges like destroying all of the boxes in one life or a relic for beating the level under a time limit. I have forgotten how insanely difficult this game is, especially the first one! My favorite game in the trilogy is Crash Bandicoot Warped (the third one), because it adds more moves like double jump, belly flops, and BAZOOKAS.

They also added a secret level in this remastered version that originally wasn’t included in the first rendition of Crash Bandicoot because the creators thought it was too hard. As if the original levels weren’t hard enough…

Controls: The remastered version gives you two control options: you can use the + button to move just like in the original games, or you can use the joystick to move around. Personally, I hated the joystick because it wasn’t as accurate as the + buttons. You don’t have to change the controls in the options menu, which was a nice feature. Still, it took some adjusting because the majority of modern games on the PS4 use the joystick.

Audience: This game is great for kids around 8+, families, and teens. I also think this game is great for grown ups like me who played the original in the 90s!

Verdict: Snag a copy of this game for your circulating collections, but only when it’s on sale. There’s no way it is worth $60 because it isn’t a brand new game, just a remastered version.

Stardew Valley is a popular indie game that had been released on consoles earlier this year, although it has been available on PC platform since 2016. It’s a role-playing farming/country life game, and while that sounds pretty boring, it’s actually pretty fun!

YouTube Trailer:

Platform: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC

Rated: E10+

Single or Multiplayer: Single

Storyline: You have inherited your now deceased grandfather’s shabby farmland in a small town called Stardew Valley. Not only is your farm decaying, the village’s Community Center is in ruins and a large company called Joja is trying to take over the town!

Gameplay: There isn’t a good or bad way to play Stardew Valley. Players generally try to fix up the Community Center because they can get special items and unlock special areas around town. The second thing players try to do is get married. There are certain villagers whom you can marry if you have enough friendship hearts, and it doesn’t matter what gender the player is. I chose to marry Elliot, a sensitive soul who lives on the beach who is trying to finish writing a novel.

Players have to strategize how to spend each “day” because they have a certain amount of energy. There is plenty to do in one day like raise animals, plant crops, go fishing, mine the caves, collect items to fix up your farm and town, or talk to villagers. Some villagers have their own mini story arc, but there isn’t an overall way to “beat” Stardew Valley because the game is open-ended. Most players try to make money as fast as possible so they can expand their farm and purchase expensive items.

Players also have to consider what items are available during the day because some items are available during one season like Fall. There are 28 days in every season, and four seasons are in a year. Every month has two celebrations where players can get special items.

Now, if this game sounds vaguely familiar, that’s because it’s like an indie version of the popular Nintendo game known as Harvest Moon. In my opinion, it’s better than Harvest Moon because it improved the game mechanics and leveling system that made Harvest Moon so frustrating to play.

Like I said, there isn’t a way to beat Stardew Valley. I got as far as about the end of my third year before I got bored of it, which translates to about 60 hours of gameplay. What I liked most about this game is the casual pace (although the start of the game is very slow and you just have to trudge through), and that I could listen to the radio or an audiobook while playing the game. I listened to both books in the An Ember in the Ashes series while playing Stardew Valley, and I will probably pick up the game again once the third book in the series comes out!

Audience: Like any role-playing game, Stardew Valley will have a niche audience because it is a slow paced, relaxing game. If you are a gamer who liked Harvest Moon, I highly recommend Stardew Valley. However, if you are a player that likes video games with a lot of action, I do not recommend playing this game.

Verdict: I recommend getting a copy or two for circulating collections. This is not a game for programs because of its slow pace and the fact that it is single player.

The mobile game Pokemon Go was all the rage during Summer 2016, but its popularity was short lived due to missing features, unpopular decisions, and lack of communication between creators and users. This summer, Pokemon quietly released a new game for Summer 2017 called Magikarp Jump, although I do not believe it’ll be as popular as Pokemon Go. Nevertheless, this is a cute mobile app to recommend/play with kids, tweens, and teens who are still hardcore Pokemon fans.
YouTube Trailer:

Platform: Android and iOS Devices

Rated: No official ESRB rating, but I’d give it an E

Single or Multiplayer: Single

Storyline: If you don’t know anything about Pokemon, you might be a little lost as to why this game is so popular. Magikarp is a Pokemon that looks like a goldfish, and all he does is flop around. Magikarp is beloved because as useless as it is in combat, it is very adorable looking. One reason why trainers tend to keep Magikarps around is if you manage to gain enough experience fighting while using Magikarp, it’ll eventually evolve into Gyarados.

Magikarp Jump is a game dedicated solely to the fandom’s love for Magikarps. Rather than running around collecting different kinds of Pokemon, players are only given Magikarps to level up by gaining jumping power (JP). Players can compete in leagues in order to win badges. There are currently six leagues, although Pokemon may create more in the future. The game overall is silly and riddled with inside jokes for dedicated Pokemon fans to appreciate.

Gameplay: There are three ways to get JP for your Magikarp. First, players can have their Magikarp eat food while swimming around. All players have to do is tap the food swimming around in the tank:

Second, players can “train” their Magikarps. Players have to tap their device as fast as possible in order to get the most amount of JP.

Finally, there are random events that can grant extra JP, but that is only if the player makes the correct choice. If the player makes a wrong choice, their beloved Magikarp can get eaten by a Pidgeotto!

A new element in this game is how players can only train their Magikarp to a maximum level which correlates with the trainer’s level. Once Magikarp reaches their maximum level, it has to retire and the players begin once again with a new baby Magikarp. This in turn encourages players to spend coins and diamonds (the game’s currency), which can be earned slowly for free or purchased with real money. I personally haven’t spent a dime in this game, which is nice because many mobile games make it impossible to progress without spending real money!

Players can also use diamonds to unlock tank decorations, power ups, or friendship items. These “friendship items” bring other Pokemon to cheer your Magikarp on during battles, as well as give other bonuses. These speciality items can be purchased at a very slow rate as players earn diamonds for free, or they can be purchased right away using real money.

It took me a whole month to finally beat Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and I’m happy to say it’s by far one of the best games of 2017. Now that I’m done playing that game forever, I am moving on to more casual games. This week, I have discovered probably one of the best games (that isn’t Super Smash Bros) for Teen Game Night that you may have never heard of.

YouTube Trailer:

Platform: PC, Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch

Rated: E

Single or Multiplayer: Multiplayer, up to 8 players for maximum chaos

Storyline: In the beginning of the game, there is a Spaghetti Monster Apocalypse where chefs have to feed its ginormous appetite in order to save the world. It’s impossible to do, so the chefs go back in time to train for preparing a variety of meals. Sounds ridiculous? It is.

Gameplay: Players are given the task of completing food orders in a restaurant. Each level has complicated obstacles which pushes players to work together in order to complete orders. When I say “work together” I don’t mean calmly explaining your strategy, I mean yelling at the other players, so be sure your program space is separate from reading areas in your library. At the end of each level, the team’s score earns them 1-3 stars, which can be redeemed to unlock more levels.

Overcooked has two functions that make this game perfect for Teen Game Night programs. First, the game emphasizes teamwork, which is something that I prefer to have in my Game Nights over competitive games like Super Smash Bros. My teens who don’t have a lot of experience playing video games are often intimidated by other teens who will clearly beat them, so I try to make my program more inclusive by providing co-op games.

Controls: The second reason why Overcooked is perfect for Teen Game Night programs is the controls. This game can accommodate up to 8 players by using only 4 controllers. How? You have two players share one controller. Here’s an example from Overcook’s Twitter:

If you can imagine how difficult this game is when using one controller per person, imagine how hard it is when you only have HALF on a controller! It is chaotic, there is a ton of yelling at each other, and it is incredibly fun. This game gives you the perfect opportunity to match up your gamer and non-gamer teens while guaranteeing both parties will have fun. If you want to see an example of the chaos, I recommend checking out this Let’s Play video.

Audience: Families, teens, or any group of people who want an massively fun local co-op game.

Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was the launch game that was simultaneously released with Nintendo’s newest console, Nintendo Switch, which came out in mid-March. In my opinion, Breath of the Wild is by far the best game in 2017, although I have been playing it on my Wii U, not the Switch. I still am not wholly convinced to spend $330-$400 on a Switch, but I’ll keep you posted if I ever cave.

YouTube Trailer:

Platform: Nintendo Wii U and Nintendo Switch

Rated: E10+

Single or Multiplayer: Single, but the kind of game where friends can come over and enjoy watching you play

Storyline: Like any other Zelda game, you play as Link, a destined soldier/hero who was just woken up after a 100 year slumber. 100 years ago, Link and Princess Zelda attempted to seal away Calamity Gannon (the bad guy) with the help of Divine Beasts (imagine steampunk-ish robots), but failed to do so and now Calamity Gannon rules Hyrule. When Link wakes from his 100 year long slumber, he has discovered that he has lost all of his memories of the people he fought with and the events that happened 100 years ago. The only tool Link has to recover this information is a Shiekah Slate (which looks strikingly similar to a Nintendo Switch or a smartphone…) which can help players find towers (which unlock areas of the map), shrines (gives players spirit orbs which can be redeemed for hearts or stamina), and items.

Gameplay: Unlike former Zelda games, Link is not given a sword that lives permanently in your inventory. This game is more like a survival game where players have to forage around in order to find any weapons, shields, bows and arrows, and cook food for hearts. These weapons deteriorate as you use them, so players have to be extra strategic when fighting enemies.

This game is long because players don’t have to follow the main storyline. In fact, I’ve sunk in about 30-40 hours of gameplay and I think I’m only 25% through the main storyline. This is because the game encourages you to explore the vast and gorgeous world of Hyrule, and I find it even more fun to explore rather than follow the storyline. There is plenty to do besides the storyline, ranging from locating the towers/shrines to a large variety of side quests. I don’t think I’m going to “beat” the game anytime soon because there is so much content and beauty to get through!

Controls: I’m playing the game on the Wii U, so I have no idea how the controls are on the Switch. In my experience, the controls on the Wii U are a little difficult to grasp because it utilizes every single button on the Wii U GamePad, and that can get very confusing. It took me awhile to get used to, and even then I tend to confuse the – and + buttons because they bring up different menus.

Audience: I recommend this game to teens and adults who are fans of Zelda games, because I think it’s one of the best Zelda games in the last 10 years.

Verdict: Highly recommend for circulating collections. I don’t recommend this for Teen Game Nights because it’s only one player and not easy to pick up for amateur players.

This week, I was going to review the new Legend of Zelda game, but due to a shipping mix up, I haven’t received my copy yet! So, this week is about a “freemium” game that I have been addicted to for the past few months called Disney Emoji Blitz. If you shop at Walmart, you might have noticed Disney has started a new line of emoji merch, and that is directly related to this game.

YouTube Trailer:

Platform: iOS and Android Devices

Rated: Not officially rated by the ESRB, but I personally would give it an E

Single or Multiplayer: Single, but you can link your Facebook profile to enter a weekly high score competition with your friends.

Gameplay: The game is exactly like Bejeweled and Candy Crush. What you do is move emoji characters to align three in a row in order to get points. If you align more than three emojis, you get special power ups that can clear many emojis at a time. You also choose which special Disney emoji character you want to play with, and each of these characters have a special move responsible for clearing many emojis of the emojis at once. You only get 60 seconds per round, so try to get as many emojis as possible!

Unlike Bejeweled and Candy Crush, this game also puts random items on the board for you to try to collect at the bottom. Some of these items are rare, but are more likely to appear depending on the specific type of Disney emoji you are playing with. There are many different types of “item collections” to keep you occupied, as well as special events.

It’s Free to Play…Sort of: This game is called a “freemium” game, which means the game itself is free, but players are encouraged to spend real money in order to progress quickly in the game. In this case, Disney Emoji Blitz tries to get players to spend money to unlock special Disney characters and lives. The game limits players to getting a maximum of 5 lives at a time, which essentially means you get to play 5 games then have to wait for your lives to regenerate. Players also have to watch a few ads or can opt out of watching ads in exchange for more lives, but the good news is all of the ads are kid-friendly.

Sending emojis on your phone: The other bonus to playing Disney Emoji Blitz is when you unlock emojis, you can use them outside of the game. You can add them to your keyboard, and from what I’ve tested they work on text messages and Google Hangouts.

The video game Journey, which I talked about at length here, is one of my favorite video games at all time. The same creator recently came out with a new video game called Abzu, which I pre-ordered because I loved Journey so much. Although it’s not the same experience as Journey, I think many parents and librarians who are looking for video games that are rated E or T will be pleased to have Abzu as an option.

Platform: PS4, Xbox One, PC

Rated: E

Single or Multiplayer: Single

Storyline: There isn’t really a storyline in Abzu. The best way I can describe the game is it is structured to be more like an experience instead of a story. Your character is a diver, and you spend the entire game exploring the depths of the beautiful ocean. That’s it. There aren’t any enemies, no goals, no time limits, you just swim about as you wish until you get bored. Similar to Journey, you can discover a small narrative about the world’s history by examining hieroglyphics on walls, but they are vague enough for you to interpret them in a multitude of ways.

You’re probably wondering why gamers bother playing Abzu if you just wander around in a virtual world with little to do. First, Abzu is a stunning work of art, but only if you are playing on a newer TV. I just moved to an apartment that came with an older TV from the early 2000s, and the difference in graphics alone is enough to make or break the gamer’s experience. I first tried out Abzu on the old TV, and I was bored after playing for about 10 minutes because the artwork looked clunky and unimaginative. Then, when I tried it out on my 1080p Smart TV, I was stunned at the difference. So, if you are going to give Abzu a chance, please be sure to play it on a TV that can produce high quality graphics!

The other reason Abzu is intriguing is because in a world of Call of Duty and other high stimuli games, it’s nice to be able to kick back and play a relaxing game. The game did an excellent job on developing the artwork and musical score, and it feels similar to meditating. Being able to divert my attention to something beautiful and relaxing is something that I find myself needing every time I read the news…and your patrons might be looking for the same thing!

Gameplay: The controls are basic, although there are some secret controls that the game doesn’t tell you about. Here’s the link to an article that goes into more detail.

Audience: This game is tricky because it will probably not be appealing to large audiences. One reason why I purchased it is I have had many parents complain to me that the XBox One doesn’t have rated E or T games for their kids. This may not be the most stimulating game, but at least it’s an option I can give to these parents. I also wanted to have at least one example of a video game as a piece of artwork in my collection, even if I know it will not circulate well.

Verdict: I recommend taking a look at how much Journey has circulated, and think about if patrons want/could benefit from a relaxation game. If the answer is yes, buy a copy, but don’t purchase it for more than $20. I don’t recommend this game for Teen Game Night programs because it’s a single player game and a little too chill for a program.

I’ve been reading posts on various Youth Services-related FB groups about the best console for Teen Game Night programs. I would first suggest you ask your teens for their input before you make any hasty decisions. If you are considering a Wii U, time is of the essence because the Nintendo Switch will be released on March 3rd. This means the Wii U will no longer be available for purchase! My library hosts Teen Game Night once a week after school for two hours. We have a PS4, Wii U, and and Xbox One hooked up on different TVs, along with a cart full of board games. While the PS4 and Xbox One are popular, our Wii U has received the most attention because of one game: Smash Bros.

Super Smash Pays for Itself

My teens love this game for many reasons. First, Smash Bros. can have up to 8 players at once. This is an excellent plus for my Teen Game Night program because we get about 20 teens per week, and I have the teens take turns playing games so everyone gets a chance. There aren’t many games that can handle 8 players at once (the majority of video games can only have 2-4), therefore the wait time for the Wii U is significantly shorter compared to the PS4 and Xbox One.

Another plus is my teens can bring in their own controllers from home or use their 3DS as a controller. Our library has 4 controllers with a charging station, and I highly recommend purchasing one! Otherwise, you will be going through batteries like crazy. We have been using this one for about a year now, and we haven’t had any issues yet.

Finally, teens (and quite frankly, adults) love Super Smash Bros because it is fiercely competitive. The competition is so high that my teens run their own tournaments. They run the tournament themselves and all I have to do is provide paper/pencils for a sign-up sheet and grid. I don’t give out prizes except for large events; bragging rights are enough of a reward for my group of teens. If you’re interested, I can write a more in-depth article in the future about hosting a Smash tournament.

Most Games on the Wii U are Teen Friendly

Besides Smash, the vast majority of Wii U games are rated E10+ and have teen appeal. This is beneficial because my library does not allow video games that are rated M, much to the dismay of my teens who want to play Halo. There are many other Wii U games that my teens like to play including Mario Kart, Mario Party, and Super Mario Maker. That is, if I can convince them to put Smash away!

Where to Buy

Production on the Wii U has stopped, meaning you will not be able to buy the Wii U from stores for much longer. As of January 13th, Amazon is selling Wii U’s for $289.00, and I bet that price will increase as stock becomes scarce. Other retailers such as Target, Walmart, are selling it as a bundle for $299.99 and I couldn’t find any on Best Buy’s online store.

Compared to the Switch

Now, the price for a new Wii U is the same as pre-ordering the Switch. You might be wondering why you should spend that money on an old console instead of a new one, and that’s a fair question. I’m hesitant to buy the Switch because my teens would much rather play Super Smash than any game available on the Switch. From what we know about the Switch, it does not appear to have a Smash game lined up, nor does it have many multiplayer games that can accommodate more than 4 people at a time. Not to mention, the Switch isn’t out yet, so the only information/reviews available are from a small group of gamers who are probably more focused on playing the console at home rather than at a large program.

Right now, my teens are content playing Smash on the Wii U, and I plan to keep it that way for the foreseeable future. If you have any more questions about the Wii U or about our Teen Game Night program, feel free to ask in the comments below!

2016 was an interesting year in the gaming community, ranging from the Pokemon Go craze to the overwhelming disappointment in No Man’s Sky. This is my last post for 2016, and I have decided to compile an annotated list of the top games from 2016 for teen gaming programs as well as circulating collections. I hope you enjoy, and I’ll see you all in 2017!

Lego Star Wars: Force Awakens (PS4)
Lego games are always fun to play in multiplayer mode, especially if your game nights have a smaller attendance. Buy this one for your Star Wars fans, especially since Rogue One just came out. Up to 2 players. Rated E10+.

Madden NFL 17 (Xbox One, PS4, Xbox 360, PS3)Similar to NBA and FIFA, teens who are into football will enjoy playing as a career player. Up to 4 players. Rated E.

Minecraft Wii U Edition (Wii U)Minecraft is still a big hit for teens, especially teens who just want to create things rather than compete against one another or complete quests. Teens who play this game on the PC will have to adjust to different controls on the Wii U, but will enjoy it nonetheless. Up to 4 players. Rated E10+.

NBA 2K17 (Xbox One, PS4, Xbox 360, PS3)
Reviewed as one of the most “authentic” sports game this year, be sure to buy this for your teens who love basketball. Up to 4 players. Rated E.

Plants Vs Zombies Garden Warfare 2 (Xbox One, PS4)
If you have teens who want to play shooter games, but your library doesn’t allow rated M games, this game is a great compromise. View full review here. Up to 2 players. Rated E10+

Pokken Tournament (Wii U)
Give this title to teens who still have Pokemon fever, or who are looking for a fighting style game that isn’t dramatically violent. Up to 2 players. Rated E10+

Rocket League (Xbox One, PS4)Rocket League combines soccer and race cars into a chaotic and incredibly fun game. Teens of all ages and gaming skills can compete in this absurd action-sports game. Up to 4 players. Rated E

*Street Fighter V (PS4)Fighting games are a staple genre in the gaming community. *You should read my review and look at character costumes before purchasing for your program. Up to 2 players. Rated T.

Circulating Collection Suggestions for Teens:

Attack on Titan(Xbox One, PS4)
This game is based off of the manga and anime show, although reviews have stated that the storyline isn’t as strong as its manga counterpart. Still, teens who are obsessed with the fandom will want to play through this game. Rated M.

Dark Souls III (Xbox One, PS4)This sequel takes place in the same apocalyp tic universe, although it is unclear if it is the last in the series. Rated M.

Dishonored 2 (Xbox One, PS4)Teens who enjoy a “choose-your-own-adventure” feel to their games will love this title . The video game is long due to infinite choices that will impact your gaming experience, so be sure to have a few copies on hand. Rated M.

Dragon Ball Z Xenoverse 2 (Xbox One, PS4)Teens who are heavily invested in Dragon Ball will much prefer this title over its predecessor because this game features much more frenzied battles. Rated T.

Gears of War 4 (Xbox One)
If you have teens who like Star Wars or want a slasher game, this game is recommended. The characters are bulky yet nimble, and teens will find satisfaction in destroying an unknown enemy. Rated M.

Ratchet and Clank (PS4)
This ongoing series is a fun third-person shooter that doesn’t have a lot of violence but a whole lot of gag jokes. For my full review, click here. Rated E10+.

Ori and the Blind Forest (Xbox One)
While this game isn’t exactly new, the disc version of this beautiful platform jumper was released this year. Give this game to teens who like Super Mario and Metroid. Rated E.

Overwatch (Xbox One, PS4)
Arguably the best console game of 2016, this game is a multiplayer first-person shooter that heavily emphasizes teamwork and strategy. This game would be excellent if there was any co-op mode, but sadly the game’s strength is playing multiplayer online. Rated T.

Pokemon Sun and Moon (3DS)Similar to Pokken Tournament, give this game to teens who still have Pokemon fever. Read my full review here. Rated E.

Star Fox Zero+ Star Fox Guard (Wii U)
While this isn’t the best Star Fox Nintendo game, it will still attract teens who love the franchise or whom are looking for a space adventure game. Read my full review here. Rated E10+.

Titanfall 2 (Xbox One, PS4)
One of the best first-person shooters released in 2016, give this game to teens who are looking for something more complex and thorough than Halo. Rated M.

Uncharted 4: Thief’s End (PS4)Nathan Drake is back in this sequel. The series is known for its renowned storytelling and parkour. Rated T.

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